The national network of Protection and Advocacy (P&A) organizations (like DRO) is represented in Washington DC by the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN).  Recently, NDRN urged legislators, on our behalf, to support hate crime prevention legislation.  The proposed bill would grant agencies the authority to investigate and prosecute federal crimes based on the victim’s disability, whether real or perceived, and would authorize funding to states to help with the prosecution of hate crimes.

In a letter signed by almost all P&As, we reminded legislators that through much of our country’s history, people with disabilities -- including those with developmental delays, epilepsy, cerebral palsy and other physical and mental impairments -- were seen as useless and dependent, hidden and excluded from society, either in their own homes or in institutions.  Now, this history of isolation is gradually giving way to inclusion in all aspects of society, and people with disabilities everywhere are living and working in communities alongside family and friends.

But this has not been a painless process.  People with disabilities often seem “different” to people without disabilities.  They may look different or talk differently.  They may require the assistance of a wheelchair, a cane, or other assistive technologies.  They may have seizures or have difficulty understanding seemingly simple directions.

Unfortunately, disability bias can manifest itself in the form of violence.  Federal hate crimes legislation would broaden the definition of hate crimes to include disability, sexual orientation, gender and gender identity.  It would make grants available to states and local communities to combat violent crimes committed by juveniles, train law enforcement officers, or assist in state and local investigations and prosecutions of bias-motivated crimes.

 Violence against individuals with disabilities is not limited to adults.  On Monday, March 9, the Oregon House Education Committee will hold a hearing on House Bill 2599.  This bill would strengthen Oregon law that is designed to lessen the bullying of students in our schools.  It would make school districts adopt policies to train staff and students about avoiding and reporting bullying and designate a staff person to accept complaints of bullying.  DRO supports this bill that will provide a reasonable way to address the harassment of all students, including students with disabilities.